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How do smaller religious colleges compare to secular universities?

Anyone here attend a small Presbyterian (or other denomination) college and can compare it to what my experience might be at a larger, secular university? I'm not overly religious but I'm considering both options and wondering about the differences in academic and social life.

11 months ago

Hi there! My child is currently attending a small Catholic college after transferring from a larger public university, so I've seen both sides of the coin through her eyes. One thing she's mentioned is the sense of community at her current school is much stronger. Because of the smaller class sizes, she's been able to form closer relationships with her professors and peers. While her previous institution offered more diverse courses and extracurricular activities, she feels the academic support at her current college is far more personalized.

In terms of social life, it really depends on what you're looking for. The larger university had more events and a bustling social scene, but she's found the smaller college to have a tight-knit group of friends and more campus-wide activities where it's easier to get to know lots of people. Religious aspects like mandatory chapel services or theology courses are part of her curriculum, but she's found them to be more about personal growth than doctrine. It's a different vibe for sure, but both environments have their merits depending on what you prioritize in your college experience.

11 months ago

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